Stephen Hawking, beloved author of ‘A Brief History of Time,’ dies

Stephen Hawking, beloved author of ‘A Brief History of Time,’ dies

Stephen Hawking, the most famous theoretical physicist since Albert Einstein, died on Tuesday at the age of 76.

The beloved scientist was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor-neuron disease, when he was only 21 years old. Despite the condition, he earned the respect of his peers with his research on black holes, and rose to fame with his 1988 bestseller A Brief History of Time.

“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today,” said Hawking’s children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, in a statement provided to Sky News.

“He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.

“He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’